PATIENT ADVOCACY
Two main types of health advocates exist::
one is employed by a hospital
one is employed by you
Individuals dealing with health care problems and organizations are encouraged to develop health care teams. An important role of a team members is the "patient advocate". One of the tasks of the "patient advocate" is to direct medical care decisions when and if the individual is not capable of making those decisions. Legal recognition for this role varies by state.
The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) provides a handout that describes the role of the patient advocate (one who you appoint and who works for you).
Hospital Stay Handbook: A guide to Becomming a Patient Advocate for Your Loved Ones is a book by Jari Holland Buck. She has a website by the same name. The "Resource" section links you to many sites where you can find helpful information if you are or plan on becomming a patient advocate - for yourself or someone else.
Carring Connections maintains a list of the states that recognize Advanced Directives and/or the appointment of a Power of Attorney for Health Care.
Patient Advocate Foundation - Serves as an active liaison between the patient and their insurer, employer and/or creditors to resolve insurance, job retention and/or debt crisis matters relative to their diagnosis through case managers, doctors and attorney
Still under construction. Last updated 01/16/2008